Ferrari to contact all 458 Italia owners

A few days ago, Ferrari was looking into a problem that caused the 458 Italia to catch fire. Now, Ferrari will be calling back every single 458 Italia, following videos, photos and reports of cars randomly catching fire. Most 458 Italia fires have happened in Mainland Europe. In the U.S, Ferrari dealers will be telephoning U.S customers personally.

According to Ferrari, an adhesive used in the wheel-arch can overheat and allow the rear wheel heat shields to move around. In extreme cases, the glue can smoke and even catch fire. Five initial units of the car have caught fire, although none have been UK cars.

Due to this, Ferrari will be inviting 1,200 international owners of the 458 Italia to have new heat-shields attached.

A member of the FerrariChat.com fan site, Superquant said: "My dealer just informed me that as of 1 minute ago he learned that Ferrari has issued a recall on ALL 458 due to the fire situation. Ferrari has determined the cause of the 458's that have caught on fire was from an adhesive that attached the heat shield under the rear fenders. The heat shields were attached with an adhesive and became flammable under high temps. The new shield will be attached to rivets, not any type of adhesive. Every 458 produced will get this new part so call your dealer now and set up your appointment which of course is free of charge. Ferrari is not taking any chances and will replace this part on every 458 Italia produced to date."

Mitsubishi i-MiEV pricing announced (EU)

Mitsubishi has revealed some new information on the forthcoming Euro-spec i-MiEV electric city-car.

Compared to the Japanese variant, the European model has remodelled bumpers, centre console and "improved interior comfort." Compare to the regular petrol ‘i-car’, the i-MiEV comes with ASC (Active Stability Control) and side & curtain airbags as standard.

The EV features a lithium-ion battery which powers a small 63bhp (64PS) electric motor has 180Nm (133lb-ft) of torque. This allows for a range of 100 miles (160 km). UK consumers will pay 96p per charge – Mitsubishi claims it will cost £144 for 12,000 miles of driving.

Due to go on sale in December, the i-MiEV will be launched in 14 countries; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. Prices will vary from €33,000 - €35,000 (or equivalent), but government incentives will lower it to €30,000 in most countries. UK models start from £28,990, or £23,990 after the governments £5,000 incentive. Mitsubishi originally priced the EV at £38,699.

Servicing costs will be substantially lower compared to a internal combustion engine, due to the fact the EV has 4 moving parts, while a internal combustion engine has around 300 moving parts.

Over 2,300 i-MiEVs have been in force on Japanese roads since full production started in July 2009.

UK i-MiEVs will be offered with a range of personalisation options, including roof and door mirror graphics, stereo/MP3 systems, leather interior and environmentally friendly accessories such as floor mats made from biodegradable bamboo fibre. Deliveries will start in January 2011.